“For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.” (Hebrews 4:15)
I’m thankful that Jesus understands my weaknesses. I have a love-hate relationship with them; sometimes I’m frustrated with my weaknesses and want to change, other times I feel comfortable and complacent and don’t desire change. Complacency is one of the biggest temptations that we in the United States face.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Hard Lessons
“During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered.” (Hebrews 5:7-8)
Obedience and suffering are subjects that, like submission and waiting, are not the subjects of today’s popular Christian teachers. I find the above passage puzzling and intriguing: why would God need to “learn obedience”? It requires a better theologian than me to explain it. I can only speculate that it had to do with Jesus’ human nature. The flesh does not enjoy submission, suffering, and obedience, but as I reflect on my own experience I agree that they are great teachers.
Obedience and suffering are subjects that, like submission and waiting, are not the subjects of today’s popular Christian teachers. I find the above passage puzzling and intriguing: why would God need to “learn obedience”? It requires a better theologian than me to explain it. I can only speculate that it had to do with Jesus’ human nature. The flesh does not enjoy submission, suffering, and obedience, but as I reflect on my own experience I agree that they are great teachers.
Sunday, October 7, 2007
God's Will
“For this is the will of God, your sanctification.” (1 Thess 4:3)
"Those who cleanse themselves ... will be instruments for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work." (2 Tim 2:21)
When I hear the will of God referred to, it is almost always in the context of making a decision, like moving, staying at the same job or taking another, or choosing a school. I think that more emphasis should be placed on becoming more Christ like in character. If we become more like Jesus, then wherever we live, work, or go to school, or whatever we do, we will be better able to shine His light in that situation.
“We might think that God wanted simply obedience to a set of rules: whereas He really wants people of a particular sort." (C.S. Lewis)
"Those who cleanse themselves ... will be instruments for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work." (2 Tim 2:21)
When I hear the will of God referred to, it is almost always in the context of making a decision, like moving, staying at the same job or taking another, or choosing a school. I think that more emphasis should be placed on becoming more Christ like in character. If we become more like Jesus, then wherever we live, work, or go to school, or whatever we do, we will be better able to shine His light in that situation.
“We might think that God wanted simply obedience to a set of rules: whereas He really wants people of a particular sort." (C.S. Lewis)
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